|
||
|
Paradigm Reaches Milestone on UK’s Ministry of Defense PFI Deal – SkyNet 5 |
||
|
LONDON, March 24, 2005/Satnews Daily/ — Paradigm Secure Communications has achieved the key ‘In Service Date’ (ISD) milestone for the Skynet 5 Private Finance Initiative (PFI) program with the major upgrade of UK Satellite Ground Station facilities and the introduction of new service management processes.
Paradigm said this is the first and most challenging milestone since Paradigm signed the $4.68 billion (€3.6bn) 15 year contract in October 2003 and marks a significant change in the way that long haul communications services are delivered to the UK Armed Forces. Paradigm said it is a major contribution to the realization of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Global Communications Network (GCN) architecture.
The upgraded system including new terminals and network control centre can support a full range of modern communications services. ISD lays the foundation for future roll-out of remote terminals and further capability enhancements including the Paradigm Modem System (PMS).
The groundbreaking Skynet 5 PFI program, Paradigm said, will deliver the most advanced and flexible satellite communications service with an increased capacity of about 2.5 times the current system. The service will enable instantaneous voice, video and data transmission between users deployed in a wide range of operational scenarios. Individual requests for services to meet specific operational requirements are handled by Paradigm which provides 24/7 365 day support.
Paradigm said the achievement of ISD represents a strong endorsement of the Skynet 5 PFI structure. All parties within the Skynet 5 ‘Enterprise’ have worked together to achieve this key milestone, resulting in excellent working relationships and high levels of cooperation between MOD and industry teams. At the same time Paradigm has been delivering services and exceeding performance targets during a very busy period of deployed operations.
Paradigm will launch two new satellites in 2006 and 2007 to provide continuity of satellite communications services. These satellites will meet both the high capacity long haul communications needs and the expected growth in traffic until 2018. The satellites will be controlled from the UK and the service managed from a dedicated Paradigm satellite control facility on an MoD site.
Paradigm is procuring the entire Skynet 5 system including satellites, ground stations, land mobile terminals, shipborne terminals, satellite and network control and management systems from EADS Astrium Ltd. Up to 1,900 UK jobs will have been created or sustained on the Skynet 5 programme.
Recent Stories: Paradigm Delivers First Secure Satellite Link for NATO Paradigm Wins Contract to Provide Military Satellite Communications to NATO |
||
